By Herald Staff

JASPER — The Jasper Public Library will permanently close its current location, 1116 Main St., at 8 p.m. Dec. 9.

The building's contents will be moved to the new location at the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center, 100 Third Ave. Patrons are encouraged to visit the library before it closes to stock up on material to enjoy during the holidays.

The Ferdinand and Dubois locations will also be closed on Dec. 10 and 11 while server equipment for the entire system is moved. They are expected to reopen with normal operating hours Dec. 12.

All library drop boxes, including those at the current library in Jasper, will remain open. The libraries are fine-free, and items checked out will automatically be renewed on their due dates until the move is complete.

“We know that closing our doors for any amount of time is not ideal,” said Library Director Christine Golden in a Nov. 30 press release. “But this will enable the items to be moved in a safe and organized manner to the new facility. 2020 has been a challenging year for all, but we are excited to end it on a positive note as we start the move.”

While it's closed, the library is directing patrons to its other three locations in Ferdinand, Dubois and Birdseye. Online resources will continue to be available, as well, but phone service could also see interruptions.

Updated information can be found on the library's website and social media accounts.

This is the final phase of the library’s construction project in conjunction with the City of Jasper to open a state-of-the-art Thyen-Clark Cultural Center, which will be home to the Jasper Public Library and Jasper Community Arts.

An opening date for the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center has not been set but is expected to be in early January 2021.